By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to expand its surveillance operations on the nations Inland waterways in order to ensure safety and also apprehend ferry operators violating the ban on night operations.
He stated this in a statement signed on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, “President Bola Tinubu has sent condolences to the Government and people of Niger State over a boat accident which occurred Tuesday night at Mokwa Local Government Area.
“The boat, which was said to be carrying about 300 people, primarily women and children, was sailing on the Gbajibo River from the Mundi community when it capsized.
“While at least 150 people were rescued from the scene, 25 bodies have so far been recovered.
“President Tinubu commiserates with the families of the victims and prays for the repose of the souls of the dead.
“The President further directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to investigate the spate of boat accidents in Niger State and across the country and devise modalities to check the trend.
“He ordered NIWA to expand the scope of its surveillance of inland waters to ensure people’s safety and prosecute boat operators violating the ban on night sailing.
“President Tinubu also thanked emergency workers and local divers who were working to find the remaining people.”